By introducing 10 short courses in construction-related fields, H. Lavity Stoutt Community College aims to train 1,000 people to help rebuild the territory after Hurricane Irma, Education and Culture Minister Myron Walwyn announced Monday in the House of Assembly.
He explained that with 80 to 90 percent of homes and businesses in the territory severely damaged and in need of extensive rebuilding, this is an opportune time to introduce these courses.
But the initiative will also address an issue that began long before Irma.
“The truth is that we have shunned the technical professions for many years and now we are at a point where it is extremely difficult to find local technical talent,” he explained, adding, “Further, with the devastation in the tourism industry, we recognise that many persons are going to need to retool themselves in order to find employment.”
Different fields
The courses, which are set to begin this month, will be offered in the fields of window installation; door installation; understanding construction basics for homeowners; managing construction projects; building refresher course for contractors; basic electricity; basic plumbing; generator maintenance and repair; and construction estimating and project management.
The courses will be offered free of cost, and according to the minister they will “dovetail” with the paid apprenticeship programme offered through Youth Employment Services.
“This crisis provides an opportunity for us to correct some things, and we must seize the opportunities,” Mr. Walwyn said.
The courses will be offered until May 2018. Registration and orientation will begin Wednesday on Tortola and Friday on Virgin Gorda.
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